If you're looking to update your kitchen, a new faucet can refresh the room and increase its functionality.
Last year, I decided to transform a guest house kitchen, so it could function more as a studio space. I repainted the walls and cabinets, replaced several appliances, extended the center island, added deep shelves for displaying antique ceramics, installed new French doors and window shades, and decorated the room with my personal collection of copper. The entire kitchen was transformed and modernized. The last detail was to replace the faucets - and I decided on two beautiful single spout fixtures in brass from Waterworks. The design was inspired by the industrial controls of the early 1900s. They look great.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Here is a photo of the kitchen after it was renovated last autumn. The last items that needed replacing were the faucets. Here, one can see the old stainless steel fixture.
I selected two Waterworks “Regulator” style faucets in brass. Both have single spouts with black spray nozzles.
Both also have goosenecks and big black wheel handles. Before anything is removed from the box, all the parts are inspected to ensure everything is there and in good condition.
The first step was to turn off the water supply and remove the old gooseneck faucets. We removed them carefully so as not to damage the existing soapstone counter. Some of you may remember this counter – repurposed from my old Westport, Connecticut television studio “A.”
Then, my property manager, Doug White, who is very handy, carefully made two holes for the new faucets. These holes are 2 and 1/4 inches in diameter.
Our plumbers were then able to easily start installing the new piping.
The base of the shank being installed was covered with blue painting tape to protect it from scratches. It’s also a good idea to cover the wrench with tape, so there is an added layer of protection.
This big unit is called the valve body. It is screwed on gently by hand.
Whenever installing anything, it is important to always measure several times. It is crucial that all the parts sit flush with each other so there is no risk of leaking.
Here, the tube and nut for the bridge are connected.
And then installed between the main valve body and spout valve body.
The hoses are then coated with a proper leak-sealing agent.
And then under the sink, the hot and cold hoses are properly connected to the corresponding source supplies.
This handsome black handle is tightened appropriately.
And finally it’s time to turn the water back on and test. Here, the sprayer is tested to ensure the water is diverted properly. The water from the spout also slows to a complete stop while the sprayer is being used.
Final adjustments are made and the fixture is wiped down.
This brass fixture coordinates perfectly with the brass hardware on all the cabinetry. The black accents also match the rest of this kitchen.
I also like the brass against all the beautiful copper dishes, pots, and pans.
The faucet at the other sink, under my giant plate rack of copper, was also changed.
And here I am after one of our shoots – trying the faucet out for the first time. Changing a faucet fixture is one of the simplest, smartest ways to upgrade a kitchen. Please visit the Waterworks web site to see the company’s other collections for the kitchen and bath. (Photo by David Padilla)